🧡 My New York Times bestselling book How To Menopause → https://bit.ly/4loCIlp If you’ve ever questioned your reality, blamed your hormones, or been told you’re “too sensitive,” this conversation will change how you see everything. I sit down with world-renowned psychologist and narcissism expert Dr. Ramani Durvasula, author of the New York Times bestseller It’s Not You, to unpack the emotional manipulation women often face in toxic relationships — especially in midlife, when self-doubt can run deepest. Dr. Ramani breaks down how narcissists erode your sense of reality, how they weaponize your empathy, and why smart, self-aware women often stay in these relationships far too long. We talk about: - How narcissists twist your words and rewrite your memories - The subtle ways they use your hormones and emotions against you - Why “love bombing” feels good — and why it works - The early red flags that are easy to overlook but deeply important - How midlife can become a breaking point and a breakthrough - How to rebuild your confidence and stop second-guessing yourself - Why healing starts when you trust what you already know If you’ve been gaslit, emotionally drained, or constantly questioning yourself — this episode is your clarity, your validation, and your path forward. CONNECT WITH TAMSEN 🧡 The Tamsen Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetamsenshow 🧡 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamsenfadal 🧡 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tamsenfadal 🧡 You can find Dr Ramani here: https://doctor-ramani.com/ 🧡 LEAVE A REVIEW If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-tamsen-show/id1799976761 Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 01:48 – What narcissism really looks like 04:05 – Struggling to hold on in narcissistic relationships 06:53 – The different types of narcissism 10:00 – What do all narcissists have in common? 13:29 – What behaviors to narcissists display? 16:41 – Are we seeing more narcissists today? 19:27 – Midlife relationships and narcissism 23:14 – Healthy conversations about new relationships in midlife 27:52 – Why taking it slow is key in dating 30:52 – Why we need to dig into our relationships 34:02 – How menopause is weaponized in narcissistic relationships 40:18 – Shame and isolation in narcissistic relationships 44:05 – The barriers to leaving narcissistic relationships 51:12 – Couples therapy and narcissists 54:45 – Narcissist or just a jerk? 58:48 – Dr. Ramani’s one core piece of advice About Tamsen Fadal: Tamsen is a journalist, best-selling author, and menopause advocate with over 4M followers. As host of The Tamsen Show Podcast, she’s become a powerful voice in the menopause conversation. She produced and executive produced PBS’s The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, a groundbreaking documentary calling for change in how we approach women’s health. She’s also the author of How To Menopause, the ultimate guide to navigating midlife with confidence. From SXSW to Capitol Hill, Tamsen champions policies that break the stigma around menopause and empower women at work and beyond. After 30 years as a TV anchor, she now leads the charge in midlife health advocacy. Featured in Oprah Daily, The Today Show, NYT, and more. Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational or entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. If you need medical advice, please consult your doctor or medical provider. #DrRamani #narcissist #thenarcissistdecoder